15 days in Northern Cape Itinerary

As the heart of the Northern Cape's "Diamond Fields"--the region where the glittering jewels were discovered in the 1870s--Kimberley has evolved from a simple mining encampment to a thriving city rich in history and heritage.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Magersfontein Battlefield and William Humphreys Art Gallery. Visiting Felidae Centre and Rooipoort Nature Reserve will get you outdoors. Next up on the itinerary: see the interesting displays at Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre, get engrossed in the history at The Big Hole, and try to win big at Flamingo Casino.

To see traveler tips, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Kimberley trip itinerary tool.

Johannesburg to Kimberley is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Johannesburg in September, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Kimberley, with lows of 8°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Tue) so you can travel to Tankwa Karoo National Park.

Here are some ideas for day two: explore the striking landscape of Tankwa Karoo National Park.

To see reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Tankwa Karoo National Park holiday builder tool.

Drive from Kimberley to Tankwa Karoo National Park in 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Kimberley in October; daily highs in Tankwa Karoo National Park reach 31°C and lows reach 9°C. On the 5th (Thu), you'll travel to Calvinia.

Calvinia is a regional town in the Northern Cape province of South Africa named after the French religious reformer Jean Calvin. Explore hidden gems such as Calvinia Museum and Hantam National Botanical Garden. Get in touch with nature at Vanrhynspas and Glacial Pavement. Go for a jaunt from Calvinia to Nieuwoudtville to see Protea Motors about 40 minutes away.

For more things to do, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Calvinia itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Tankwa Karoo National Park to Calvinia takes 2 hours. October in Calvinia sees daily highs of 31°C and lows of 9°C at night. On the 8th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Springbok.

Springbok is the largest town in the Namaqualand area in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Namaqua National Park and Bushwhacked Outdoor adventures. The adventure continues: tour the pleasant surroundings at Goegap Nature Reserve.

For other places to visit, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read our Springbok trip itinerary planner.

Drive from Calvinia to Springbok in 4 hours. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Calvinia in October since evenings lows in Springbok dip to 14°C. You will leave for Upington on the 12th (Thu).

Upington is a town founded in 1884 and located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, on the banks of the Orange River. On the 14th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: learn about winemaking at Orange River Cellars, join in the after-dark buzz at Bezalel Wine & Brandy Estate, and then stroll through Tierberg Nature Reserve.

To see photos, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Upington day trip planning site.

You can drive from Springbok to Upington in 4 hours. While traveling from Springbok, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Upington, ranging from highs of 38°C to lows of 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.